SUN-WORSHIPPERS who were caught out with parking fines at Eastrop Park in Basingstoke say there are not enough car spaces.

Hordes of sun-lovers, mums and children headed towards the park last Friday to enjoy one of the hottest days of the year.

But 18 drivers were stung with £70 fines for parking on grass verges in Eastrop Way.

One ticketed mum, who did not want to be named, took her children to the park as it was half-term. She said: “What was such a lovely day out for myself and my children turned out to be very expensive.”

Like many others, she said she parked on a grass verge opposite the park because there was nowhere else and she wanted to avoid double yellow lines.

“There is no way near enough parking. I think this is just ridiculous as Eastrop is such a popular place.”

Steve Simpson, 48, of Worting Road, Basingstoke, contacted The Gazette to express his disbelief at the decision to penalise visitors flocking to enjoy the park.

He said: “It just strikes me as silly.”

But Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council insisted it was just upholding the rules.

Cllr Clive Sanders, Cabinet member for communities, sport and leisure, said: “We are delighted that so many people chose to visit Eastrop Park on this very sunny day, but visitors to the park need to park in the correct places rather than opting for convenience.”

He said people could park in the town centre as well as by the park.

He added: “People should know that parking inside a double yellow line is the same as parking outside it.”

However, Cllr Sanders said signs would now be added to remind people of the rules.

But many people The Gazette spoke to were enjoying the park’s facilities. Jan Harris, 34, of Pack Lane, Oakley, was there with children Kaian, three, and Olivia, five. She said: “It is great for the kids because they can get out and about and enjoy the sun.”

Chris Griffiths, 22, from Kempshott, said: “I have never seen the park as busy as this before.”